Starting college is exciting. It is a fresh chapter full of new people, new opportunities, and a whole lot of independence. With first round CAO offers out on 27 August, students are anxiously waiting to see what college they will attend and if they get their chosen course.

With all that change abounding, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before students have even set foot on campus.

From sorting out finances and accommodation to making sure you have the right equipment and daily essentials, finding supports available and knowing key information can save a lot of stress later.

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Over 270 ag science students took part in a survey conducted by the Irish Farmers Journal in January 2025. The results showed that 61% of the student sample were commuting to college.

In terms of the length of time it is taking them to commute, the majority (40%) indicated their journey was an hour and a half, 30% said one hour and 16% said under 30 minutes. 8% said it was taking them between one and a half to two hours, while 6% said it was taking them over two hours. When asked what impact commuting had on their college experience, 44% replied unsure, 34% said negative,13% were positive, 5% said very negative, and 4% very positive.

Those who are not commuting were asked was it difficult to find accommodation, and the majority (61%) of them said yes. Along with this, students were asked if they are working part-time while in college. A huge 86% of them responded in the positive to this question.

College costs

There is no doubt that college provides a financial challenge for both parents and students. With accommodation, weekly travel expenses, and day-to-day costs, it is putting a lot of pressure on families during the current cost-of-living crisis. According to the Zurich Cost of Education Survey 2025, the average annual cost of student accommodation for students in third-level education was €8,384, and rented accommodation had an average annual cost of €7,960.

In the same report, parents of third-level students estimated it costs €9,293 for them to send their child to third-level. Although the cost per child for those living at home is less for the parent at €6,145, it is still substantial. If their child is in student or rented accommodation, the costs are likely to be much higher. Nearly half of all parents surveyed believe their child is under financial strain during college.

The compulsary student contribution fee is back up to €3,000 for the 2025/26 academic year for everybody. It had been reduced to €2,000 as a temporary measure to address the cost of living.

The Free Fees Initiative in Ireland covers the cost of tuition fees for eligible students pursuing full-time undergraduate courses at participating higher education institutions. Despite the name, students availing of this scheme will have to pay the €3,000.

Financial support

In Ireland, college students can access a range of financial supports to help with fees and living costs.

The main scheme is the Student Universal Support Ireland or SUSI grant, which provides fee grants and maintenance grants depending on family income. SUSI is still open for applications for academic year 2025/26. Applications can be made online at susi.ie. The online application system will remain open until late autumn.

For students facing financial hardship, the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) offers help with essentials like rent, food, books, and childcare, while the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides supports such as assistive technology or personal assistance.

Targeted schemes like the 1916 Bursary Fund, Tusla’s Care-Experienced Bursary, and the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme support disadvantaged or high-achieving students.

Mature students (over 23) and those on social welfare may qualify for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), allowing them to keep welfare payments while studying. Many colleges also offer their own scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, talent, or access needs.

Additional financial support includes 20% tax relief on tuition fees for all students, the part-time fee scheme for eligible part-time undergraduates, and rent supports such as HAP or the rent tax credit for students in private accommodation (€1,500 yearly). HAP is not available for mature students, The Student Accommodation Assistance scheme provides funding for acccomodation supports for students from Traveller or Roma background and those with experience of the care system.

Commuting hacks

With an increase in the number of students now commuting long distances to college, it is important to carpool where possible to share the costs, along with rotating the burden of driving. If you can take public transport, do. It cuts down on cost, along with the hassle of driving. Get a Student Leap Card as it provides big savings.

Digs drive

If you are struggling to find student accommodation, keep an eye out for digs as most students union offices are canvassing a ‘Digs-Drive’. The aim of this is to encourage people with spare rooms to open up their homes to students and rent out a room. The Rent-a-Room relief allows those renting a room to earn up to €14,000 in yearly wages tax free.

Making friends

The number one thing students are normally apprehensive about when starting college is the fear of not making new friends. Don’t worry, the good news is everyone is in the same boat. The best advice is to put yourself out there by talking to people you’re sitting beside in lecture halls or asking to go for a coffee or lunch during the day.

Try to go on some of the class nights out, join clubs and societies and don’t be afraid to get to know those in your year.

Availing of supports

Although it can be intimidating to ask for help, students should know that the college support centres are there for a reason.

Most colleges have a dedicated service that provides support and advice to students with disabilities, ensuring full participation in college life and minimising the impact of their disability. No matter what issue you’re having, there is somewhere you can turn to for help.